Systems and Methods For Managing The Toilet Training Process Of A Child

ABSTRACT

A computer system for managing toilet training of a person is provided. The computer system includes a memory device, a display device, and a processor in communication with the memory device and the display device. The processor is programmed to receive a first trigger event associated with a toilet training event. The processor is also programmed to display, on the display device, a first multi-media presentation based at least in part on said receipt of the first trigger event. The processor is further programed to collect feedback data from a user. The processor is also programmed to store the feedback data in the memory device.

BACKGROUND

The field of the present invention relates generally to toilet traininga person and, more particularly, to a network-based system and methodfor toilet training a child that includes a user computing device havinga toilet training management application configured to customize toilettraining alerts and associated entertainment experiences based onfeedback received during the process.

Toilet training a child is a process conducted over weeks or months, andoften involves many manual efforts involving both the parent and thechild. When a child is physically ready for toilet training, the parenthelps the child through the process of learning to control their bladderand bowel. Although a child may be physically ready to toilet train, thechild may not be mentally enthusiastic about performing the recommendedtoilet training steps. To help the child through the process, a parentwill often employ helpful techniques. Known techniques during toilettraining include: ritualistic behavioral routine such as having thechild sit on the toilet at regular intervals; positive reinforcementsuch as rewarding the child with a treat or praising the child after aparticular achievement; and negative reinforcement such as scolding thechild if the child is not willing to participate in some way.

One known problem with the toilet training process is a lack ofwillingness on the part of the child to participate in the necessarytraining events and rituals. For example, as a part of the trainingprocess, a parent may have the child sit on a toilet at various timesduring the day. This step both helps the child become acclimated tositting on the toilet, as well as positioning the child for a potentialevent. If the child is resistant to this step, then the parent may tryto coax the child with a promise of a reward. Or, the parent may givethe child a book to occupy the child while sitting on the toilet so thatthe child will remain seated longer. But these techniques are oftenlimited in their usefulness. Children can quickly tire of sitting on thetoilet with just a book, or just a promise. Further, under some knownsystems, it is often the parent that must initiate these events. Or aparent may have difficulty getting the child to take a break from theirpresent activities. With a child who is resistant to the process, or whodoes not want to be interrupted from their current activities, theinsistence on participating in a toilet training event can turn theparent into the “bad guy” in the child's eyes.

Another known problem with the toilet training process is the differingschedules and other situational variables of individual children. Forexample, some children may start their day based on a fixed schedule ofa parent's routine. Others awake on their own schedule, but some mayrise earlier than others. Further, timing of bladder and bowelevacuation events may be quite different for children, based on varioussituational variables such as diet, meal routines, daily activityroutines, and personal biology. Some known systems adapt a rigidstructure for the timing of toilet training events. For example, aparent may simply initiate a toilet training event at a predeterminedtime of the day, or after a fixed period of time between events. Suchapproaches do not account for personal situational variables, nor dothey adapt to the child's patterns based on prior successes or failures.

Thus, there is a need for a system that can assist the parent withinitiating toilet training events, motivate the child to participatemore readily in the individual toilet training events, and adapt to thechild's routines and personal differences.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, a computer system for managing toilet training of aperson is provided. The computer system includes a memory device, adisplay device, and a processor in communication with the memory deviceand the display device. The processor is programmed to receive a firsttrigger event associated with a toilet training event. The processor isalso programmed to display, on the display device, a first multi-mediapresentation based at least in part on said receipt of the first triggerevent. The processor is further programed to collect feedback data froma user. The processor is also programmed to store the feedback data inthe memory device.

In another aspect, a computer-based method for managing toilet trainingof a person is provided. The method is performed using a processor incommunication with a memory device and a display device. The methodincludes receiving, by the processor, a first trigger event associatedwith a toilet training event. The method also includes displaying, onthe display device, a first multi-media presentation based at least inpart on the receiving of the first trigger event. The method furtherincludes collecting feedback data from a user. The method also includesstoring the feedback data in the memory device.

In yet another aspect, computer-readable storage media havingcomputer-executable instructions embodied thereon are provided. Whenexecuted by at least one processor, the computer-executable instructionscause the processor to receive a first trigger event associated with atoilet training event. The computer-executable instructions also causethe processor to display, on the display device, a first multi-mediapresentation based at least in part on the receipt of the first triggerevent. The computer-executable instructions further cause the processorto collect feedback data from a user. The computer-executableinstructions also cause the processor to store the feedback data in thememory device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a shows an example configuration of a database within a computingdevice, along with other related computing components, that may be usedduring the toilet training process of a child.

FIG. 1 b is a block diagram of example computing systems for managingthe toilet training process of a child in accordance with one embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 a is a diagram of an example parent and child that are involvedwith the toilet training process using the computing device shown inFIG. 1 b.

FIG. 2 b is a diagram of an example toilet training product that theparent and child in FIG. 2 a use with the computing device shown in FIG.1 b during the toilet training process.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an example method for managing the toilettraining process of a person using the computing device in FIG. 1 b.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of another example method for managing the toilettraining process of a person using the computing device in FIG. 1 b andthe toilet training product shown in FIG. 2 b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the systems and methods described herein include a toilettraining management system that assists a supervisor of toilet training,such as a parent, a grandparent, a guardian, a babysitter, a sibling, orsome other caregiver (collectively referred to herein as “parent”), intoilet training a person, such as a child of the parent. Morespecifically, the system includes a toilet training managementapplication (“TTM app”) operating on a user computing device, often a“smartphone” or computer tablet. The parent downloads the TTM app totheir user computing device. The TTM app includes a suite offunctionality (the “base set of functionality”) that encourages theparent to begin the toilet training process with their child, and isconfigured to help both the parent and the child achieve their goals.This base set of functionality includes numerous tools helpful withtoilet training the child, including at least one of: games, photos,videos, songs, music, simulated phone calls, training tips, trainingarticles, augmented reality content, simulated training characters,pop-up events, and a portal to online training content. As explainedbelow, upon the initial download of the TTM app, only the base set offunctionality is initially enabled for the parent to use. The TTM Appincludes additional functionality that is unlocked later, afterpurchase.

The TTM app includes an additional set of functionality (the“personalized timer functionality”, or “personalized timer”) that isused by the parent and child daily during the toilet training process.The personalized timer has multiple features and benefits.

First, the personalized timer includes an event timer that initiatesreminders to parent and child to attempt a toilet training event, suchas having the child spend some time sitting on the toilet. Having theTTM app initiate a reminder to the child removes the burden ofremembering and the burden of being the “bad guy” from the parent.Further, the personalized timer alert leverages various entertainingaspects of multimedia for motivational and entertainment purposes. Forexample, a child may be more motivated and excited about the reminder ifthe reminder includes an entertaining video, or a simulated call from afavorite cartoon character, or the promise of a reward through the TTMapp games. And the parent's role may be assisted by the favoritecharacter acting as the face and mouthpiece of the toilet trainingprocess. For example, the child may be alerted to new toilet trainingevents by a “pop-up” alert delivered by the favorite character (throughthe TTM app) upon certain trigger events, such as at a particular alerttime, or while playing games in the TTM app or in other applications.

Second, the personalized timer adapts to the particular patterns andpreferences of the parent and child. The TTM app and the personalizedtimer gather data associated with the child's toilet training progress.For example, the personalized timer may gather data after an alert andsubsequent toilet training event. The personalized timer may requestdata regarding the level of success, such as asking the parent whetherthe child was completely non-participative, or whether the childparticipated but no bladder or bowel event occurred, or whether thechild participated and was successful. Such “success data,” or “toilettraining feedback data,” is used to adjust future events. For example,the personalized timer may adjust the length of time between alertsbased on the nature of the success data. The personalized timer may alsoadjust the nature of the entertainment experience or reward provided tothe child based on the “success data.” For example, if the child wascompletely non-participative when presented with an alert using oneentertainment experience, the timer may attempt to use a different typeof entertainment experience for the next alert. Such adjustments helpenhance the success of the toilet training process.

Additionally, this personalized timer functionality may not be includedwith the base functionality of the TTM app. In some embodiments, thepersonalized timer functionality must be enabled each day. Each day, oron some other periodic basis, the parent and child enable thepersonalized timer functionality by scanning an image with the userdevice storing the TTM app. The image may be on the training productitself, or may be included with the packaging of the product. In someembodiments, each image is limited in its use. For example, each imagemay be uniquely identifiable, and may only activate the personalizedtimer functionality once, or some other set number of times. Once theimage is scanned, the personalized timer functionality is enabled foruse for a period of time. After that period of time, the functionalitybecomes disabled, and another image must be scanned to re-enable andcontinue use.

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of theinvention by way of example and not by way of limitation. It iscontemplated that the invention has general application to enablingapplication functionality through the use of scanning an in-packageimage after sale, and to incentivizing achievement of milestones,regardless of the particular performance objective.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceededwith the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding pluralelements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited.Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention arenot intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additionalembodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

As used herein, the term “toilet training event” is used, generally, todescribe a training activity, or “event,” associated with the toilettraining process of a child. For example, and without limitation, toilettraining events may include: a parent having the child visit thebathroom and wash hands; a child watching training videos associatedwith toilet training or toilet training products; and a child spendingsome time sitting on the toilet.

The systems and methods described herein may be implemented usingcomputer programming or engineering techniques including computersoftware, firmware, hardware, or any combination or subset thereof,wherein the technical effects may be achieved by performing at least oneof the following steps: (a) providing a user computing device, whereinthe user computing device includes a processor coupled to a memory, adisplay device, and a camera device; (b) storing a TTM app on thememory; (c) providing an event timer included within the TTM app,wherein the event timer includes an alert time; (d) processing inputdata at the computing device; (e) receiving trigger events associatedwith toilet training events; (f) displaying multi-media presentationsbased on trigger events; (g) collecting feedback data from a user; (h)analyzing feedback data; (i) selecting and displaying multi-mediapresentations from a plurality of multi-media presentations based on theanalyzing; (j) configuring the event timer to include an alert timebased on the entertainment feedback and success feedback; (k) receivingtrigger events including event timer alerts, scanning of images,reaching a predetermined point during a multi-media presentation, anduser-initiated events including input from a user; (l) displayingmulti-media presentations including a virtual character instructing auser to provide input regarding toilet training events; and (m)displaying multi-media presentations including a virtual characterproviding an instructional presentation to a user regarding toilettraining and toilet training products.

FIG. 1 a shows an example configuration 1 of a database 20 within acomputing device 50, along with other related computing components, thatmay be used during the toilet training process of a child. Database 20is coupled to several separate components within computing device 50,which perform specific tasks.

Computing device 50 includes a collection component 64 for collectinginformation from users into database 20, a tracking component 66 fortracking information, a displaying component 68 to display information,a receiving component 70 to receive input from a user 10, and anaccessing component 72 to access database 20. Receiving component 70 isprogrammed for receiving feedback data from user 10. Computing device 50further includes a processing component 76 for computing entertainmentexperiences and alert times using presentation feedback data 94, toilettraining feedback data 96, and alert times 98 stored on a data storagedevice 134 containing a variety of information collected by collectioncomponent 64. Retrieving component 80 retrieves, downloads and sendsinformation to client system 114 based on a query received from clientsystem 114 regarding various alternatives.

In an exemplary embodiment, database 20 is divided into a plurality ofsections, including but not limited to, a presentation (or“entertainment”) feedback data section 94, a toilet training (or“success”) feedback data section 96, and an alert times section 98.These sections within database 20 are interconnected to update andretrieve the information as required.

FIG. 1 b is a block diagram showing example computing devices andassociated elements that may be used to implement the systems andmethods described herein. FIG. 1 b shows an example of a genericcomputing device 100 and a generic mobile computing device 150, whichmay be used with the techniques described here. More specifically,computing device 100 and mobile computing device 150 may be similar tocomputing device 50 (shown in FIG. 1 a). The computing device 100 isintended to represent various forms of digital computers, such aslaptops, desktops, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers,blade servers, mainframes, and other appropriate computers. Thecomputing device 150 is intended to represent various forms of mobiledevices, such as personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, smartphones, and other similar computing devices. The components shown here,their connections and relationships, and their functions, are meant tobe exemplary only, and are not meant to limit implementations of theinventions described and/or claimed in this document.

The computing device 100 includes a processor 102, memory 104, a storagedevice 106, a high-speed interface or controller 108 connecting tomemory 104 and high-speed expansion ports 110, and a low-speed interfaceor controller 112 connecting to low-speed bus 114 and storage device106. Each of the components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, and 112, areinterconnected using various buses, and may be mounted on a commonmotherboard or in other manners as appropriate. The processor 102 canprocess instructions for execution within the computing device 100,including instructions stored in the memory 104 or on the storage device106 to display graphical information for a Graphical User Interface(“GUI”) on an external input/output device, such as display 116 coupledto high-speed controller 108. In other implementations, multipleprocessors and/or multiple buses may be used, as appropriate, along withmultiple memories and types of memory. Also, multiple computing devices100 may be connected, with each device providing portions of thenecessary operations (e.g., as a server bank, a group of blade servers,or a multi-processor system).

The memory 104 stores information within the computing device 100. Inone implementation, the memory 104 is a volatile memory unit or units.In another implementation, the memory 104 is a non-volatile memory unitor units. The memory 104 may also be another form of computer-readablemedium, such as a magnetic or optical disk.

The storage device 106 is capable of providing mass storage for thecomputing device 100. In one implementation, the storage device 106 maybe or contain a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk device,a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, a flashmemory or other similar solid state memory device, or an array ofdevices, including devices in a storage area network or otherconfigurations. In another implementation, storage may be provided by a“cloud” service, such that some data is stored remote from storagedevice 106 and computing devices 100, 150. A computer program productcan be tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer programproduct may also contain instructions that, when executed, perform oneor more methods, such as those described above. The information carrieris a computer- or machine-readable medium, such as the memory 104, thestorage device 106, or memory on processor 102.

The high-speed controller 108 manages bandwidth-intensive operations forthe computing device 100, while the low-speed controller 112 manageslower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation of functions isexemplary only. In one implementation, the high-speed controller 108 iscoupled to memory 104, display 116 (e.g., through a graphics processoror accelerator), and to high-speed expansion ports 110, which may acceptvarious expansion cards (not shown). In the implementation, low-speedcontroller 112 is coupled to storage device 106 and low-speed bus 114.The low-speed bus 114, which may include various communication ports(e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet) may be coupled toone or more input/output devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing device,a scanner, or a networking device such as a switch or router, e.g.,through a network adapter.

The computing device 100 may be implemented in a number of differentforms, as shown in the figure. For example, it may be implemented as astandard server 120, or multiple times in a group of such servers. Itmay also be implemented as part of a rack server system 124. Inaddition, it may be implemented in a personal computer such as a laptopcomputer 122. Alternatively, components from computing device 100 may becombined with other components in a mobile device (not shown), such asdevice 150. Each of such devices may contain one or more of computingdevice 100, 150, and an entire system may be made up of multiplecomputing devices 100, 150 communicating with each other.

Computing device 150 includes a processor 152, memory 164, aninput/output device such as a display 154, a communication interface166, and a transceiver 168, among other components. The device 150 mayalso be provided with a storage device, such as a microdrive or otherdevice, to provide additional storage. Each of the components 150, 152,164, 154, 166, 168, and 190 are interconnected using various buses, andseveral of the components may be mounted on a common motherboard or inother manners as appropriate.

The processor 152 can execute instructions within the computing device150, including instructions stored in the memory 164. The processor maybe implemented as a chipset of chips that include separate and multipleanalog and digital processors. The processor may provide, for example,for coordination of the other components of the device 150, such ascontrol of user interfaces, applications run by device 150, and wirelesscommunication by device 150.

Processor 152 may communicate with a user through control interface 158and user interface 156 coupled to a display 154. The display 154 may be,for example, a TFT LCD (Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) oran OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, or other appropriatedisplay technology. The user interface 156 may comprise appropriatecircuitry for driving the display 154 to present graphical and otherinformation to a user. The control interface 158 may receive commandsfrom a user and convert them for submission to the processor 152. Inaddition, an external interface 162 may be provided in communicationwith processor 152, so as to enable near area communication of device150 with other devices. External interface 162 may provide, for example,for wired communication in some implementations, or for wirelesscommunication in other implementations, and multiple interfaces may alsobe used.

The memory 164 stores information within the computing device 150. Thememory 164 can be implemented as one or more of a computer-readablemedium or media, a volatile memory unit or units, or a non-volatilememory unit or units. Expansion memory 174 may also be provided andconnected to device 150 through expansion interface 172, which mayinclude, for example, a SIMM (Single In Line Memory Module) cardinterface. Such expansion memory 174 may provide extra storage space fordevice 150, or may also store applications or other information fordevice 150. Specifically, expansion memory 174 may include instructionsto carry out or supplement the processes described above, and may alsoinclude secure information. Thus, for example, expansion memory 174 maybe provided as a security module for device 150, and may be programmedwith instructions that permit secure use of device 150. In addition,secure applications may be provided via the SIMM cards, along withadditional information, such as placing identifying information on theSIMM card in a non-hackable manner.

The memory may include, for example, flash memory and/or NVRAM memory,as discussed below. In one implementation, a computer program product istangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer programproduct contains instructions that, when executed, perform one or moremethods, such as those described above. The information carrier is acomputer- or machine-readable medium, such as the memory 164, expansionmemory 174, or memory on processor 152, that may be received, forexample, over transceiver 168 or external interface 162.

Device 150 may communicate wirelessly through communication interface166, which may include digital signal processing circuitry wherenecessary. Communication interface 166 may provide for communicationsunder various modes or protocols, such as GSM voice calls, SMS, EMS, orMMS messaging, CDMA, TDMA, PDC, WCDMA, CDMA2000, or GPRS, among others.Such communication may occur, for example, through radio-frequencytransceiver 168. In addition, short-range communication may occur, suchas using a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other such transceiver (not shown). Inaddition, GPS (Global Positioning system) receiver module 170 mayprovide additional navigation- and location-related wireless data todevice 150, which may be used as appropriate by applications running ondevice 150.

Device 150 may also communicate audibly using audio codec 160, which mayreceive spoken information from a user and convert it to usable digitalinformation. Audio codec 160 may likewise generate audible sound for auser, such as through a speaker, e.g., in a handset of device 150. Suchsound may include sound from voice telephone calls, may include recordedsound (e.g., voice messages, music files, etc.) and may also includesound generated by applications operating on device 150.

Device 150 includes a digital camera 190. The digital camera 190 maycapture real-world images in either still-image or full-motion video.The digital camera 190 may store images or video in memory 164 orexpansion memory 174. The digital camera 190 may also display images orvideo directly to user interface 156. Captured images or video may beaccessed by processor 152 for image processing.

The computing device 150 may be implemented in a number of differentforms, as shown in the figure. For example, it may be implemented as acellular telephone 180. It may also be implemented as part of a smartphone 182, personal digital assistant, a computer tablet, or othersimilar mobile device.

Thus, various implementations of the systems and techniques describedhere can be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integratedcircuitry, specially designed ASICs (application specific integratedcircuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinationsthereof. These various implementations can include implementation in oneor more computer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on aprogrammable system including at least one programmable processor, whichmay be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data andinstructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storagesystem, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, softwareapplications, “apps”, or code) include machine instructions for aprogrammable processor, and can be implemented in a high-levelprocedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or inassembly/machine language. As used herein, the terms “machine-readablemedium” “computer-readable medium” refers to any computer programproduct, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks,memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machineinstructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including amachine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as amachine-readable signal. The “machine-readable medium” and“computer-readable medium,” however, do not include transitory signals.The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to providemachine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor.

To provide for interaction with a user, the systems and techniquesdescribed here can be implemented on a computer having a display device(e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor)for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointingdevice (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user can provideinput to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide forinteraction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to theuser can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback,auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can bereceived in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

The systems and techniques described here can be implemented in acomputing device (e.g., computing device 100 and/or 150) that includes aback end component (e.g., as a data server), or that includes amiddleware component (e.g., an application server), or that includes afront end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical userinterface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with animplementation of the systems and techniques described here), or anycombination of such back end, middleware, or front end components. Thecomponents of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium ofdigital data communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples ofcommunication networks include a local area network (“LAN”), a wide areanetwork (“WAN”), and the Internet.

The computing device can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

In the example embodiment, the TTM app may be stored on the computingdevice 100 and downloaded to computing device 150. Computing device 150is configured to process the TTM app, receive data inputted by a user,execute functionality included within the TTM app, and output resultsbased on inputted data and the functionality of the TTM app.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 b, computing devices 100 and 150 are configuredto receive and/or retrieve electronic documents from various othercomputing devices connected to computing devices 100 and 150 through acommunication network, and store these electronic documents within atleast one of memory 104, storage device 106, and memory 164. Computingdevices 100 and 150 are further configured to manage and organize theseelectronic documents within at least one of memory 104, storage device106, and memory 164 using the techniques described herein. Suchelectronic documents may include, for example, profile informationassociated with a user of computing devices 100, 150, or progress chartsassociated with toilet training of the user, or feedback data associatedwith toilet training. These electronic documents may be stored on“cloud” storage (i.e., remote from computing device 100, 150).

FIG. 2 a is a diagram 200 of an example parent 202 and child 204 thatare involved with the toilet training process using computing device 150(shown in FIG. 1 b). In the example embodiment, computing device 150 isa smart phone or hand held computing tablet. There may be one ormultiple computing devices 150 involved with the toilet training processfor child 204. A “TTM application” or “TTM app” is downloaded andinstalled on computing device 150. The TTM app may be downloaded, forexample, through the Internet, or by any other method that facilitatesoperation of the systems and methods as described herein. The TTM appincludes at least a base set of functionality and a personalized timerfunctionality. The functions provided by the personalized timer arediscussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 2 b is a diagram 201 of an example toilet training product 220 thatparent 202 (shown in FIG. 2 a) and child 204 (shown in FIG. 2 a) useduring the toilet training process using computing device 150. In theexample embodiment, toilet training product 220 is a moisture absorbenttoilet training under-pant used by the child for toilet training. Apost-sale image 222 is provided. In some embodiments, post-sale image222 appears on toilet training product 220. In other embodiments,post-sale image 222 may appear elsewhere within a packaging (not shown)of toilet training product 220. In operation, parent 202 and/or child204 utilize the TTM app and computing device 150 to scan post-sale image222. The scanning of post-sale image 222, in some embodiments, activatesthe personalized timer functionality within the TTM app as describedherein.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an example method 300 for managing the toilettraining process of child 204 using computing device 150. In the exampleembodiment, method 300 involves using computing device 150 and the TTMapp (not separately shown). In some embodiments, computing device 150 isa smartphone or tablet computer upon which the user has downloaded andinstalled the TTM app. The TTM app includes sets of “functionality”. Asused herein, the terms “functionality”, “set of functionality”, and“function” are intended to refer to a set of computer-implementedinstructions that, when executed by the mobile computing device 150,cause the computing device 150 to perform one or more operations. Forexample, and without limitation, a set of instructions that allows theuser to listen to music may be described as “a functionality” or “afunction”. Additionally, the term “functionality” and “set offunctionality” may refer to an individual function or to a set offunctions.

In the illustrated embodiment, computing device 150 and the TTM appinclude a base functionality and a personalized timer functionality 306.In some embodiments, these sets of functionality are provided asportions of a single software application, the TTM app. Afterinstallation of the TTM app, the base functionality allows an initialset of functions relative to toilet training such as, withoutlimitation, product information, product advertisements, games, photos,videos, songs, music, a rewards system, simulated phone calls, trainingtips, training articles, story books, simulated training characters,persistent progress tracking, a portal to online training content,augmented reality (“AR”) functionality, AR content, and image capture.It should be understood, however, that additional functionalitynecessary to implement the systems and methods described herein, suchas, without limitation, displaying augmented reality content, andcapturing real-world images, may also be included, without limitation,in the base functionality, personalized timer functionality 306, orother enhanced functionality, or in any other way which allows theoperation of the systems and methods as described herein. It should alsobe understood that other embodiments may provide only limitedfunctionality in the base functionality, shifting more functionality tosome “enhanced” functionality level.

For purposes of illustration, it is presumed that, prior to executingoperation 302, personalized timer functionality 306 is “enabled.” Inoperation, the user of the TTM app can only access a particularfunctionality, other than the base functionality, if that particularfunctionality's enablement status is “enabled.” It is understood that“enablement status” is merely a term of logical construction, and not anelement of physical structure. It should be understood that statusenablement and disablement of functionality may be provided in any waywhich allows the operation of the systems and methods described herein.The enabling and disabling of personalized timer functionality isdiscussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 4, below.

In the example embodiment, a first trigger event is received 302. A“trigger event”, as used herein, is an event that engages somefunctionality of personalized timer 306. Trigger events may be based on,for example and without limitation, an alert time (i.e., somepre-determined absolute time), or some pre-determined point during apresentation, or the starting of the TTM app, or after scanning of animage, or after taking input from a user. In some embodiments, thetrigger event may occur during a presentation. For example, a child maybe engaged in watching a presentation, such as a story, and the triggerevent is set to occur, and is delivered at a specific point during thestory. The trigger event may initiate one of the characters in the storyto ask the child if they have attempted a toilet training event in therecent past, and if not, may prompt the child to initiate an event. Inother embodiments, the scanning of an image is a trigger event. Forexample, parent 202 and child 204 may start out the day by scanning animage on child's 204 first training pant of the day, or on productpackaging associated with toilet training products. This trigger eventmay start the day's process by activating functionality, initiatingconfiguration and/or staging of timer alert events, or otherwisebeginning child's daily routine. In still other embodiments, the triggerevent may occur after taking input from a user. For example, the triggerevent may be the starting of the TTM application or the personalizedtimer functionality 306. Or the trigger event may be parent 202 or child204 initiated, such as through interaction with the TTM application.

In this example embodiment, the first trigger event is an alert time304. More specifically, the event timer of personalized timerfunctionality 306 receives first alert time 304 from parent 202 usingpersonalized timer functionality 306 of the TTM app on computing device150. As used herein, the term “alert time” refers, generally, to a timeat which to initiate an alert, or a trigger event. Computing device 150includes a clock time tracking mechanism such as is commonly provided bycomputing devices and their operating systems. The clock timingmechanism allows computing device 150 and its applications to acquireand perform tasks based on the local clock time, or absolute time, aswell as track changes in time. During operation, first alert time 304 isa time associated with a toilet training event for child 204. Firstalert time may be initially received 302 from parent 202, or from adefault setting within personalized timer functionality 306, or aftercomputation involving feedback data collected during operation, asdiscussed in greater detail below.

In the example embodiment, upon receiving the trigger event, a firstmulti-media presentation (or “entertainment experience”) is displayed310 on computing device 150. As used herein, the terms “multi-mediapresentation” and “entertainment experience” are used synonymously, andgenerally refer to any computer-generated experience using computingdevice 150 that entertains the user. Entertainment experiences mayinclude, for example and without limitation, audio and/or video musicexperiences, video display experiences, augmented reality experiences,rewards, simulated communication from cartoon characters, and digitalgaming experiences. Further, entertainment experiences may includeeducational and/or instructional content as well, in regard to toilettraining and otherwise. In some embodiments, child 204 and/or parent 202may be associated with an “avatar” within the multi-media presentation.The term “avatar”, as used herein, refers generally to an entity orcharacter within a multi-media presentation, such as an interactivevideo game. Avatars are often used to represent the user, or player, ofthe game within the virtual game world. Further, in some embodiments,multi-media presentation may be a multi-player game in which parent 202and child 204 participate together in a shared experience, and may berepresented within the game by separate avatars.

In some embodiments, the first entertainment experience may beexperienced by child 204 prior to or during a toilet training event 311.For example, child 204 may be alerted by receiving a simulated phonecall from a cartoon character who delivers the alert to the child, orthe child may be presented with access to a game. Such a use may serveto occupy child 204 and facilitate greater time on the toilet. In otherembodiments, child 204 may be provided with the promise of anentertainment experience after participation in a toilet training event.Such a use may incentivize participation of child 204.

In some situations, computing device 150 may be engaged in otheractivities at the trigger event (i.e., in the example embodiment, thealert time 304). For example, child 204 may be engaged playing a game oncomputing device 150 at the alert time 304. In other situations,computing device 150 may be powered on but not being actively used atthe time, and may be in a “sleep mode.” Personalized timer functionality306, in the example embodiment, is configured as an “always on”functionality. “Always on”, as used herein, means that the personalizedtimer functionality 306 will continue running in a capacity enough toenable personalized timer functionality 306 to operate as describedherein, including at least allowing the functionality of the alert to beexecuted upon arrival of alert time 304. In some embodiments, this“always on” functionality may be enabled by running some or all ofpersonalized timer functionality 306 in the background processing of theoperating system of computing device 150. “Always on” does not mean thatpersonalized timer functionality 306 must be enabled when computingdevice 150 is in a powered off state.

In some embodiments, the trigger event may display 310 a multi-mediapresentation involving a favorite character. The favorite character mayoperate as the central “friend”, or “trusted guide”, or “coach” of thechild throughout the toilet training process. The favorite character mayact as a proxy or surrogate for the parent by delivering reminders andinstructional content during the toilet training process. Theinstructional content, in some embodiments, involves instructing thechild on use of a particular toilet training product, such as aparticular moisture absorbent pant. The favorite character may becustomizable by parent 202 or child 204. Further, the trigger event mayinterrupt a multi-media presentation while it is being displayed 310,and prompt the child to engage in toilet training event 311. In someembodiments, parent 202 may be associated with another character, suchas a “trusted advisor.” This trusted advisor may be different than thechild's favorite character, and may deliver instructional or advisorycontent to parent 202 throughout the toilet training process.

After the toilet training event 311, in the example embodiment, feedbackdata is collected 312. In some embodiments, feedback data includes oneor more of presentation feedback data 94 and toilet training feedbackdata 96. As used herein, “entertainment feedback data”, or “presentationfeedback data”, includes data indicating whether and/or how much child204 enjoyed the first multi-media presentation. For example,presentation feedback data 94 may be as simple as child 204 and/orparent 202 providing a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” evaluation of thefirst multi-media presentation. Further, as used herein, “successfeedback data”, or “toilet training feedback data”, includes dataindicating whether and/or how successful child 204 was with the toilettraining event 311. For example, toilet training feedback data 96 mayinclude a discrete list of possible results, such as “child refusedparticipation”, “child participated but the alert time came too late”,“child participated but was unsuccessful”, and “child participated andsuccessfully had a bladder or bowel event.” It should be understood,however, that other types of entertainment feedback data 94 and toilettraining feedback data 96 may be collected 312 without deviating fromthe present invention.

Feedback data 94, 96 is then stored 316 in database 20. Morespecifically, in the example embodiment, presentation feedback data isstored in presentation feedback section 94, and toilet training feedbackdata is stored in success feedback section 96 of database 20. Feedbackdata 94, 96 is accessed during additional processing steps, discussedfurther below.

With the presentation and toilet training feedback data 94, 96, thepersonalized timer functionality 306, in some embodiments, may analyze318 the feedback data, and may configure 320 another trigger event.Analysis 318 of feedback data, in the example embodiment, includesanalyzing presentation feedback data 94 and toilet training feedbackdata 96 to assist with further customization of future trigger eventsand multi-media presentation selections. For example, presentationfeedback data 94 may indicate how much a certain child enjoys musicalexperiences, or interactive game experiences, and thus may influencefavoring those types of experiences for the child. And toilet trainingfeedback data 96 may indicate better or worse timings of certain events,like how long between toilet training events leads to better success, orhow much participation will be achieved based on the timings betweentoilet training events.

In the example embodiment, the other trigger event is a second alerttime (not separately shown). The second alert time will be processedsimilar to first alert time 304 using method 300. In the exampleembodiment, the second alert time is based at least in part on datagathered from any combination of prior alert times, including firstalert time 304. The second alert time may be based on toilet trainingfeedback data 96 and/or presentation feedback data 94.

In some embodiments, configuring 320 the second alert time based ontoilet training feedback data 96 analysis 318, in the exampleembodiment, includes receiving feedback based on one or more criteriaincluding: child participation, child success in a bladder and/or bowelevent, and occurrence or lack thereof of a pre-alert bladder and/orbowel event. A time gap between alert times may be set to a defaultvalue, but then may be adjusted based on one or more of the feedbackcriteria received during the toilet training process. For example, ifthe prior time gap between alerts was 3 hours, but the child experienceda pre-alert bladder or bowel event, the second alert time may beconfigured 320 to be 2 hours and 45 minutes (i.e., less than the priortime gap between alerts). In some embodiments, parent 202 may alsoprovide adjustments to either the second alert time or the selection ofthe subsequent multi-media presentations. Further, in some embodiments,alert times may be configured 320 based on absolute time of day, orat/after certain set events during the day. For example, some childrenmay be on set schedules for meals, such as always having breakfast at9:00 AM, and the right time to go may be just after meals. Configuring320 the second alert time based on toilet training feedback data 96 mayinclude adjustments based on these recurring patterns.

In other embodiments, a second multi-media presentation is selected froma plurality of entertainment experiences and displayed 322. Selectingthe second multi-media presentation may be based on presentationfeedback data 94 regarding the first multi-media presentation.Personalized timer functionality 306 and the TTM app include a pluralityof multi-media presentations from which to select 322 entertainmentexperiences. In some embodiments, a multi-media presentation thatreceives some number of negative feedbacks during prior alerts will beweighted less than other multi-media presentations, or even completelyavoided. In other embodiments, multi-media presentations will bepreconfigured with characteristic qualities, and multi-mediapresentations receiving negative feedback will cause other multi-mediapresentations with similar characteristic qualities to be reduced inweight or avoided. Further, in the example embodiment, presentationfeedback data 94 and toilet training feedback data 96 may be correlatedtogether for additional benefits. For example, an unwillingness toparticipate (a type of “success” feedback data) when presented with acertain type of multi-media presentations may be considered as evidenceof negative response toward those types of multi-media presentations,and thus those types of multi-media presentations may be reduced inweight (i.e., treated as negative “presentation” feedback data).

In operation, method 300 continues 322 processing throughout the day ofchild 204 and parent 202, generating the next alert based on feedbackdata from the prior alerts. In some embodiments, however, personalizedtimer functionality 306 becomes disabled and must be re-enabled tocontinue functioning. In the example embodiment, at the end of each day(i.e., for example, at midnight of each day, after child 204 haspresumably gone to sleep), personalized timer functionality 306 isdisabled 324 and is re-enabled in a process described below with regardto FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of another example method 400 for managing thetoilet training process of a child 204 (shown in FIG. 2) using computingdevice 150 and toilet training product 220. In operation, in the exampleembodiment, personalized timer functionality 306 is disabled 402 at theend of child's 204 day. “Disabling”, as used herein, involves limitingsome functionality of personalized timer functionality 306. For example,in the example embodiment, disabling 402 causes personalized timerfunctionality 306 to disable the alerting functionality described withregard to FIG. 3. In some embodiments, personalized timer functionality306 becomes disabled after a finite length of time, such as one day, orat a specific time, such as midnight. In some embodiments, parent 202and child 204 participate in a “goodnight” event that signals disablingof timer functionality 306.

In order to re-enable the disabled 402 functionality of personalizedtimer functionality 306, parent 202 or child 204 must capture 404post-sale image 222 using computing device 150. As illustrated in FIG.4, the post-sale image 222 is captured 404 using the digital camera 190(shown in FIG. 1 b). As used herein, the term “capture” involves the useof the mobile computing device 150 coupled to the digital camera 190,herein alternately referred to as “camera” or “camera device”.“Capturing” an “image” generally involves the digital camera 190processing a digitization of the real-world image, such as, withoutlimitation, taking a digital photograph or a video of the “image”. Inoperation, the parent 202 would capture 404 the post-sale image 222printed on toilet training product 220 at the beginning of child's 204morning.

In the illustrated embodiment, upon capturing 404 the post-sale image222, the post-sale image 222 is then recognized by the computing device150. As used herein, “recognizing” an “image” involves the processor102, 152 utilizing any method of identifying the presence of the“image”. In some embodiments, recognizing 312 an image utilizes a methodof comparing the captured 404 image to a model image (not shown), suchas, without limitation, the methods commonly available in the field ofimage recognition and image processing. In some embodiments, recognizingan image relies on image shape, color, and/or orientation. In someembodiments, the images are designed to assist and/or enable the imagerecognition process. It should be understood that any image recognitiontechnique that enables operation of the systems and methods as describedherein may be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, upon recognizing the post-sale image 222,personalized timer functionality 306 is enabled 406. In operation, thisstep returns personalized timer functionality 306 to full functionality.In some embodiments, the post-sale image 222 may act as, withoutlimitation, the proof of purchase of a product, thereby providing thepurchaser (i.e., parent 202 and/or child 204) access to theotherwise-disabled content (i.e., personalized timer functionality 306).In some embodiments, the TTM app executes method 400. After personalizedtimer functionality 306 is re-enabled 406, the method 400 returns 322 tomethod 300 and continues operation for another day.

In other embodiments, a “use counter” (not shown) is associated withpost-sale image 222. The use counter tracks how many times theparticular post-sale image 222 has been scanned. Re-enabling 406personalized timer functionality 306 may be limited to only a certainnumber of times. For example, in some embodiments, a plurality ofpost-sale images 222 are provided on toilet training products, and eachpost-sale image 222 is uniquely identifiable, i.e., identifiable asdifferent from the other post-sale images. In this example embodiment,each post-sale image 222 may be usable only once, or may be usable onlya certain number of times. In other embodiments, the same post-saleimage may appear on all toilet training products shown in a singleproduct package, but may be different than post-sale images on productsin other packages. In this example embodiment, the use counter may betied to the estimated number of days that the entire product packageshould last. In further embodiments, the use counter may provide“rewards” to the child after a certain number of scans.

In still other embodiments, the user may scan a plurality of images (notseparately shown) that activate different sets of functionality. Theseimages may unlock specific features or presentations. For example, thecapture 404 of an image associated with a daytime pant may activate anexciting game experience, or some feature within a game, that serves toexcite and stimulate the child, while the capture 404 of another imageassociated with a nighttime pant may activate a more subdued experience,such as a nighttime song or the reading of a relaxing story, whichserves to relax and placate the child. Some images may be associatedwith certain types of products, and may unlock product-specificfunctionalities. For example, capture 404 of an image associated withtoilet training bathroom wipes may activate an educational videoassociated with using bathroom wipes, or a video explaining bathroomhygiene and best practices.

The systems and methods described herein help parents in the toilettraining process by providing education, training, entertainment, arewards system, and motivation for both the child and the parent as theyengage in the process. These results are achieved by: providing a toilettraining management app (the TTM app) to the parent and the child;providing a base set of functionality within the TTM app that provides apersonalized timer functionality; enclosing a post-sale image within atoilet training product; providing the TTM app to allow the scanning ofthe post-sale image in order to enable functionality to the user, wherepersonalized timer functionality includes features appropriate for thetoilet training process; disabling the personalized timer functionalityafter a period of time; altering the user at an alert time; providingentertainment experiences to a child at the alert time; receivingpresentation feedback data and toilet training feedback data after analert; and configuring future entertainment experiences and alert timesbased on that feedback.

Based on the foregoing specification, the above-discussed embodiments ofthe invention may be implemented using computer programming orengineering techniques including computer software, firmware, hardwareor any combination or subset thereof. Any such resulting program, havingcomputer-readable and/or computer-executable instructions, may beembodied or provided within one or more computer-readable media, therebymaking a computer program product, i.e., an article of manufacture,according to the discussed embodiments of the invention. The computerreadable media may be, for instance, a fixed (hard) drive, diskette,optical disk, magnetic tape, semiconductor memory such as read-onlymemory (ROM) or flash memory, etc., or any transmitting/receiving mediumsuch as the Internet or other communication network or link. The articleof manufacture containing the computer code may be made and/or used byexecuting the instructions directly from one medium, by copying the codefrom one medium to another medium, or by transmitting the code over anetwork.

While the disclosure has been described in terms of various specificembodiments, it will be recognized that the disclosure can be practicedwith modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer system for managing toilet training ofa person, the computer system comprising: a memory device; a displaydevice; and a processor in communication with the memory device and thedisplay device, the processor is programmed to: receive a first triggerevent associated with a toilet training event; display, on the displaydevice, a first multi-media presentation based at least in part on saidreceipt of the first trigger event; collect feedback data from a user;and store the feedback data in the memory device.
 2. The computer systemin accordance with claim 1, wherein the user is one of a child involvedwith toilet training events and a supervisor of toilet training, whereinthe feedback data comprises one of toilet training feedback data andpresentation feedback data, wherein toilet training feedback data isassociated with the toilet training event, wherein presentation feedbackdata is associated with the first multi-media presentation.
 3. Thecomputer system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the processor isfurther programmed to: analyze the feedback data; select a secondmulti-media presentation from a plurality of multi-media presentationsbased at least in part on the analyzing; and display, on the displaydevice, the second multi-media presentation at a later alert time. 4.The computer system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the processor isfurther programmed to: analyze the feedback data; and configure an eventtimer with a first alert time, wherein the first alert time is computedbased at least in part on the analyzing.
 5. The computer system inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the first trigger event includes one ofan event timer alert, scanning a marker, reaching a predetermined pointduring the first multi-media presentation, and a user-initiated eventincluding input from a user.
 6. The computer system in accordance withclaim 1, wherein the first multi-media presentation comprises a virtualcharacter instructing a user to provide input regarding the toilettraining event.
 7. The computer system in accordance with claim 1,wherein the first multi-media presentation comprises a virtual characterproviding an instructional presentation to the user regarding toilettraining.
 8. The computer system in accordance with claim 7, wherein theinstructional presentation is associated with a toilet training product.9. The computer system in accordance with claim 1, wherein displaying afirst multi-media presentation comprises: interrupting the firstmulti-media presentation during the displaying; and prompting the userto engage in the toilet training event.
 10. The computer system inaccordance with claim 9, wherein prompting the user comprises promptingby a virtual character using the display device.
 11. The computer systemin accordance with claim 1, wherein the first multi-media presentationcomprises at least one avatar character associated with at least one ofa child involved in toilet training and a supervisor of toilet training.12. A computer-based method for managing toilet training of a person,said method performed using a processor in communication with a memorydevice and a display device, said method comprising: receiving, by theprocessor, a first trigger event associated with a toilet trainingevent; displaying, on the display device, a first multi-mediapresentation based at least in part on said receiving of the firsttrigger event; collecting feedback data from a user; and storing thefeedback data in the memory device.
 13. The method in accordance withclaim 12, wherein the user is one of a child involved with toilettraining events and a supervisor of toilet training, wherein thefeedback data includes one of toilet training feedback data andpresentation feedback data, wherein toilet training feedback data isassociated with the toilet training event, wherein presentation feedbackdata is associated with the first multi-media presentation.
 14. Themethod in accordance with claim 13 further comprising: analyzing thefeedback data; selecting, by the processor, a second entertainmentexperience from a plurality of entertainment experiences based at leastin part on said analyzing; and displaying, on the display device, thesecond multi-media presentation at a later alert time.
 15. The method inaccordance with claim 13 further comprising: analyzing the feedbackdata; and configuring an event timer with a first alert time, whereinthe first alert time is computed based at least in part on saidanalyzing.
 16. The method in accordance with claim 12, wherein receivinga first trigger event comprises receiving a first trigger eventincluding one of an event timer alert, scanning an image, reaching apredetermined point during the first multi-media presentation, and auser-initiated event including input from a user.
 17. The method inaccordance with claim 12, wherein displaying a first multi-mediapresentation comprises displaying a first multi-media presentationincluding a virtual character instructing a user to provide inputregarding the toilet training event.
 18. The method in accordance withclaim 12, wherein displaying a first multi-media presentation comprisesdisplaying a first multi-media presentation including a virtualcharacter providing an instructional presentation to the user regardingtoilet training.
 19. The method in accordance with claim 18, whereindisplaying a first multi-media presentation comprises displaying aninstructional presentation associated with a toilet training product.20. The method in accordance with claim 12, wherein displaying a firstmulti-media presentation comprises: interrupting the first multi-mediapresentation during said displaying; and prompting the user to engage inthe toilet training event.
 21. The method in accordance with claim 12,wherein prompting the user comprises prompting by a virtual characterusing the display device.
 22. The method in accordance with claim 12,wherein said displaying comprises displaying the first multi-mediapresentation including at least one avatar character associated with atleast one of a child involved in toilet training and a supervisor oftoilet training.
 23. Computer-readable storage media havingcomputer-executable instructions embodied thereon, wherein, whenexecuted by at least one processor, the computer-executable instructionscause the processor to: receive a first trigger event associated with atoilet training event; display, on the display device, a firstmulti-media presentation based at least in part on said receipt of thefirst trigger event; collect feedback data from a user; and store thefeedback data in the memory device.
 24. The computer-readable storagemedia in accordance with claim 23, wherein the user is one of a childinvolved with toilet training events and a supervisor of toilettraining, wherein the feedback data comprises one of toilet trainingfeedback data and presentation feedback data, wherein toilet trainingfeedback data is associated with the toilet training event, whereinpresentation feedback data is associated with the first multi-mediapresentation.
 25. The computer-readable storage media in accordance withclaim 24, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause theprocessor to: analyze the feedback data; select a second multi-mediapresentation from a plurality of multi-media presentations based atleast in part on the analyzing; and display, on the display device, thesecond multi-media presentation at a later alert time.
 26. Thecomputer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 24, wherein thecomputer-executable instructions further cause the processor to: analyzethe feedback data; and configure an event timer with a first alert time,wherein the first alert time is computed based at least in part on theanalyzing.
 27. The computer-readable storage media in accordance withclaim 23, wherein the first trigger event includes one of an event timeralert, scanning an image, reaching a predetermined point during thefirst multi-media presentation, and a user-initiated event includinginput from a user.
 28. The computer-readable storage media in accordancewith claim 23, wherein the first multi-media presentation comprises avirtual character instructing a user to provide input regarding thetoilet training event.
 29. The computer-readable storage media inaccordance with claim 23, wherein the first multi-media presentationcomprises a virtual character providing an instructional presentation tothe user regarding toilet training.
 30. The computer-readable storagemedia in accordance with claim 29, wherein the instructionalpresentation is associated with a toilet training product.
 31. Thecomputer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 23, whereindisplaying a first multi-media presentation comprises: interrupting thefirst multi-media presentation during the displaying; and prompting theuser to engage in the toilet training event.
 32. The computer-readablestorage media in accordance with claim 31, wherein prompting the usercomprises prompting by a virtual character using the display device. 33.The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 23, whereinthe first multi-media presentation comprises at least one avatarcharacter associated with at least one of a child involved in toilettraining and a supervisor of toilet training.